Man in Custody after Arson in Hickory Valley
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Authorities said a house fire which occurred Tuesday night around 8:40 may have been the result of a domestic dispute. “I get a call my trailer’s on fire,” said Terri Avent of Hickory Valley. Officials said they received a call from a witness who saw a person leaving the burning house. Authorities said the caller provided police a description of the vehicle. “My niece saw this guy, my ex, driving up and down the road and she tries to stop him,” said Avent. She said her niece identified the driver as her ex-boyfriend, Phillip Franks, 38, of Savannah. “A vehicle matching that description was pulled over and the subject that was driving that vehicle is currently in custody,” said Sheriff John Doolen of Hardeman County. Authorities have charged Franks in connection with the arson. Franks has been charged with arson, aggravated burglary, felony vandalism, implied consent, open container and his third DUI offense. Sheriff Doolen said Franks was drunk when officers took him into custody. He said no bond or court date has been set for Franks.
